Come rain or shine: Ophelia and Pine celebrate barbecue extravaganza

On Sunday 26^th May, Ophelia’s Nick Grieves and Pine’s Ian Waller collaborated to bring Gosforth their inaugural Bank Holiday BBQ.

In true British barbecue fashion, the day saw thunder and torrential downpour, but guests were unperturbed, with over 125 enjoying kebabs, oysters and snacks.

As well as the complimentary rum punch on arrival, there was a large selection of cocktails, wine and beer to be enjoyed at a side table, on the outside terrace -when the weather allowed -or on the dance floor to the tunes of the live DJ, Joseph Bell.

The event marks a turning point for the restaurant and the Gosforth community.

Siobhan McAuley, Ophelia’s assistant manager said: “We have a reputation for being a fine dining exclusive venue but that not all we want to do.

“We want people to feel they can come in and have a drink at the bar or some snacks and beer outside.

“This is step one of bringing this to the focus.”

Ophelia chef: Alex Miller                                            DJ Joseph Bell
and Pine head chef: Ian Waller.

 

Ian Waller, head chef at Pine said: “In places like the North East, it can feel a bit stagnant sometimes”

“The barbeque was all about trying to the make good food and good times accessible to the most amount of people.”

Nick Grieves, head chef at Ophelia said: “Considering the weather, the event was absolutely fantastic, it was exactly what we were hoping for. No pretence, just people having a good time.”